Arrivabene: Räikkönen deserved to be extended

En formalizing its duo for the 2017 season, Ferrari hopes to have scored a double blow. Not only did the rumors surrounding the Italian team concerning the name of the teammate Sebastian Vettel faded, but Maurizio Arrivabene, Team Principal of the training of Maranello, wish that Kimi Räikkönen now evolves more calmly.

« We confirmed Kimi because first of all he deserves it, specifies the Italian. The team's interest was not in finding another driver, but in focusing on the development of the car. We have two good drivers, so it hasn't been a problem for us, and we take all the pressure off Kimi's shoulders by making this decision. »

A contract extension carried out on Wednesday in connection with Sergio Marchionne, president of the trans brandalpine. “This was done via a phone call from the president, and a few hours later with Kimi. We are turning the page and we are looking forward to working very hard. »

The Kimi Räikkönen case had fueled a number of rumors for several weeks, with several names coming back insistently for a possible replacement in 2017, notably that of the Mexican Sergio Pérez, linked to the Scuderia via the Ferrari Driver Academy during his Sauber years.

A period which was not necessarily to the taste of the Ferrari Team Principal. “As for the pressure, you know better than me that in the last three or four races every time Kimi sat in a press conference there was a question asked about his contract.

I have asked many times for a little respect for a driver who was world champion with Ferrari. I know his nickname is "Iceman" but he's a human being. Sometimes in Formula One we have to be aware that we are talking with human beings. Iceman is one with his emotions and I think he could feel the pressure. That's all.

We were very proud and very happy with Kimi's work since the start of the season. He was asked to show his commitment, to have results in order to deserve confirmation for next year. »